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At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progressโ€”from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
At IndiaVerve, we go beyond the noise to bring you meaningful stories of change, resilience and progressโ€”from India to the world stage. Our mission is to bring readers credible, wide-ranging coverage across politics, business, sports, culture, society and more.
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Day: June 8, 2026

Adani Ports secures 10-year LNG marine services contract in Argentina

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NEW DELHI: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentinaโ€™s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export project, marking its entry into South America and expanding its international marine services operations.

The contract has been awarded to APSEZโ€™s step-down subsidiary, the Adani Harbour International FZCO, through a consortium with Argentina-based Meridian Group after a global competitive tender process conducted by Southern Energy S.A. (SESA).

The development strengthens APSEZโ€™s position in global energy logistics value chains and expands its specialised marine services portfolio, Adani Group said in a press release.

Under the agreement, the consortium will provide end-to-end marine services, including tugboat operations for LNG carriers, offshore logistics and supply support, and crew transfer services. The operations will be supported by four high-specification tugboats, one anchor handling tug supply vessel, and one crew boat.

APSEZ Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer Ashwani Gupta said the project reflects the companyโ€™s growing capability to support large-scale energy infrastructure projects across geographies. He added that with marine operations across 12 countries and a growing fleet serving ports, LNG terminals, national oil companies, refineries, and offshore facilities, the company brings deep operational expertise to complex maritime environments.

He further noted that combining these capabilities with local partnerships would help build reliable maritime ecosystems supporting new energy trade corridors and long-term supply resilience.

According to the details shared, Argentina is emerging as a significant LNG supplier, with agreements in place to support exports of up to 10 million tonnes annually to India from 2027. The Southern Energy FLNG project is expected to play a key role in linking this supply base with global demand centres.

The project is being developed by SESA, a joint venture between Golar LNG and Pan American Energy. Located in the San Matรญas Gulf in Argentinaโ€™s Rรญo Negro Province, the facility will liquefy natural gas from the General San Martรญn pipeline aboard the floating LNG vessel Hilli Episeyo, with commercial operations expected to begin in September 2027.

In its first phase, the project is projected to produce 2.45 million tonnes of LNG annually, equivalent to around 28 cargoes per year, making it Argentinaโ€™s first operational LNG export project.

The contract will be executed through Meridian Transportes Marรญtimos S.A., a 51:49 joint venture between The Adani Harbour International FZCO and Meridian Group.

In a note on the development, APSEZ said the expansion aligns with its broader international strategy under the Adani Group-backed integrated transport and logistics network.

India issues fresh travel advisories for citizens in Israel, Iran amid regional tensions

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NEW DELHI: India has issued fresh advisories for its citizens in Israel and Iran amid the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, urging them to exercise heightened caution and follow official safety instructions.

The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv advised all Indian nationals in Israel to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety instructions issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command.

“In view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times,” the embassy said in its advisory.

The mission urged Indian citizens to remain close to designated shelters and identify the nearest protected spaces around their homes and workplaces. It also advised against all non-essential travel within Israel until further notice.

Indian nationals were asked to closely monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts for updates on the evolving situation. The embassy said it remains in constant touch with relevant authorities and will continue to issue updates as necessary.

The advisory also provided 24×7 emergency helpline numbers and consular assistance contacts for Indian citizens in Israel.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Tehran reiterated its earlier advisory asking Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran.

“In view of the latest developments in the region, the Embassy reiterates its earlier advice to all Indian Nationals to avoid any travel to Iran,” the mission said.

The embassy further advised Indians currently present in Iran to leave the country through available transport options.

The advisories come amid heightened tensions and security concerns across parts of the Middle East, prompting India to closely monitor the situation and issue precautionary guidance for its citizens in the affected countries.

Authorities have urged Indian nationals in both countries to stay informed through official channels and remain in contact with Indian diplomatic missions for assistance and updates.

Rourkela Police bust suspected inter-state gambling racket

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BHUBANESWAR: Rourkela Police have uncovered a suspected inter-state gambling racket operating along the Odisha-Jharkhand border during a major raid conducted at Luakera village under the jurisdiction of Sector-15 police station.

Acting on specific inputs, police carried out the operation and seized cash amounting to Rs 28.39 lakh along with a large quantity of valuables and gambling-related materials allegedly linked to the illegal activity.

According to police, the seizure included 405 grams of gold ornaments, 600 grams of silver ornaments, three four-wheelers, four motorcycles, four mobile phones, 68 dice, bamboo baskets, and a cash-counting machine.

Two persons were apprehended during the raid. Police said the involvement of several other suspects is being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Officials suspect the gambling network was operating across state borders and had links extending into neighbouring Jharkhand. Investigators are examining the seized materials and financial transactions to determine the scale of the operation and identify all individuals involved.

A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

The raid is being seen as a significant crackdown on organised gambling activities in the border region, with police continuing efforts to trace other persons connected to the alleged racket.

Odisha launches orientation programme for newly appointed higher secondary teachers

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BHUBANESWAR: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education under the School and Mass Education Department has launched an orientation programme for newly appointed Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) serving in government higher secondary schools and government upgraded higher secondary schools across Odisha.

The programme, being held at IMAGE, Siripur, has brought together around 120 newly recruited teachers for capacity-building and professional development. The first phase of the training began on June 8 and will continue till June 12, while the second phase is scheduled from June 16 to June 20.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Director of Teacher Education and SCERT (TE&SCERT) Madhusmita Sahoo stressed the importance of nurturing problem-solving abilities among students and called upon teachers to provide effective academic guidance.

She said teachers play a key role in shaping responsible citizens and highlighted the need to strengthen teacher-student engagement.

Sahoo described higher secondary education as a crucial bridge between school and higher education and urged teachers to give special attention to students during this important stage of learning.

Director of Higher Secondary Education Niyati Pattnaik encouraged the newly appointed teachers to remain lifelong learners and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.

She said effective teaching demands continuous learning and expressed confidence that the orientation programme would help improve classroom practices and student learning outcomes.

Earlier, Joint Director Sasmita Mali outlined the objectives and scope of the induction training, while Deputy Director C.H. Vijayalakshmi coordinated the programme. Deputy Director Jitendra Kumar Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.

According to officials, the training programme covers a range of topics, including the National Education Policy 2020, use of Information and Communication Technology in education, Odisha Education Rules, operation of the SAMS and Shikshajyoti portals, the POSH Act, scholarship schemes, administrative responsibilities, examination and evaluation systems, and career guidance.

During the first phase, teachers from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Commerce streams are participating in the programme.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the professional competencies of newly appointed teachers and equipping them to contribute effectively to Odisha’s higher secondary education system.

INDIA bloc to write letter to CJI, targets Centre over exam row

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New Delhi: The opposition INDIA bloc on Monday attempted to project renewed unity as leaders of several opposition parties met here and agreed on a coordinated strategy around five major issues, including alleged irregularities in examinations, electoral concerns and governance matters.

The meeting, held at the Constitution Club in the national capital, ended with opposition leaders deciding to write to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) over issues they described as affecting institutional accountability and public trust. The alliance also intensified pressure on the Centre over controversies linked to examinations and recruitment tests, renewing its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhanโ€™s resignation.

Leaders present at the meeting expressed concern over allegations surrounding national-level examinations such as NEET, CBSE and recruitment-related tests, arguing that repeated controversies had affected the confidence of students and job aspirants. The opposition bloc said the issue would be raised more aggressively both inside and outside Parliament.

“It was agreed to send a letter to the Chief Justice of India on SIR, vote loot and election theft.ย The letter is to be delivered to the Chief Justice of India very soon. Second, it was unanimously agreed to demand the immediate resignation of the education minister because he presided over the betrayal of lakhs of youth who appeared for the NEET and CBSE examinations. Third, the Union government should immediately call an all-party meeting to discuss the precarious current economic situation, unemployment, price rise, farmers’ issues and other people-centric issues,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told media post the meeting.

“It was agreed that all the parties would meet every two months. The next meeting will be held in Hyderabad on 8th August. The Parliament coordination will continue during the monsoon session with daily morning meetings in the office of the leader of the opposition,” he added.

Senior leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, were among those present at the meeting. However, the absence of the DMK, a key southern ally, drew attention and highlighted continuing strains within sections of the opposition alliance.

The meeting came against the backdrop of recent tensions within the alliance, with several regional partners facing electoral setbacks and disagreements over state-level political equations. Political observers view Mondayโ€™s gathering as an important effort to preserve coordination among opposition parties ahead of future electoral contests and parliamentary strategy.

While leaders projected a united front on issues of accountability and governance, questions over cohesion within the bloc remain, particularly after the DMK stayed away from the meeting following differences with Congress in Tamil Nadu.

The INDIA bloc is expected to continue discussions on parliamentary coordination and issue-based campaigns in the coming weeks as opposition parties seek to sharpen their response to the ruling BJP-led government.

Fresh Israel-Iran strikes deepen fears of wider West Asia war

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Trump seeks to restrain Netanyahu as Iran, Israel and Yemenโ€™s Houthis exchange attacks amid fragile ceasefire.

Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks on Monday while Yemenโ€™s Houthi rebels launched missiles towards Israel, sharply escalating tensions in West Asia and raising fears that a fragile ceasefire could collapse into a wider regional conflict.

The latest flare-up came after Iranโ€™s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched attacks targeting Israelโ€™s Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases in retaliation for overnight Israeli strikes on radar and military sites inside Iran. Shortly after the announcement, the Israeli military said it had detected another barrage of missiles fired from Iran.

According to Al Jazeera, Israeli forces earlier carried out strikes on multiple targets at the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr in southwestern Iran after attacking military installations elsewhere in the country. Iranian media also reported explosions in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan following the strikes.

The renewed hostilities mark one of the most serious escalations since Iran, Israel and the United States agreed to a ceasefire in April. The latest violence follows Israeli attacks on Beirutโ€™s southern suburbs over the weekend, which Israel said targeted positions linked to Hezbollah. Iran had responded on Sunday by launching missiles towards northern Israel, marking its first direct attack since the truce came into effect.

In Yemen, the Iran-aligned Houthis said they had fired missiles at Israel and announced a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, further widening the scope of the regional confrontation.

According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli military said it is preparing for at least several more days of fighting with Iran and remains ready for a prolonged conflict if necessary. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said Iran launched at least 20 ballistic missiles towards Israel since Sunday night, while two missiles were also fired by Houthi forces in Yemen. Israeli authorities claimed most of the projectiles were intercepted or landed in open areas.

The Times of Israel further reported that Israel responded with two waves of strikes inside Iran. Overnight attacks allegedly targeted nine Iranian air defence systems in western and central Iran, while additional air raids struck three factories at a petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran. The report added that the operations were carried out solely by Israel but in โ€œfull coordinationโ€ with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), whose forces also assisted in missile interception.

Amid the intensifying conflict, US President Donald Trump moved to prevent further escalation. According to Axios, Trump said he planned to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and urge him not to retaliate against Iranโ€™s missile strikes.

โ€œI am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate,โ€ Trump told Axios, adding that continued exchanges could jeopardise a potential long-term agreement with Tehran.

Axios reported that Trump described the Iranian missile attacks as limited and expressed concern that Israeli retaliation could derail ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at extending the ceasefire agreement and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

However, signals from Israel suggested military action could continue. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the Iranian leadership had made a โ€œgrave mistakeโ€ and asserted that Israel would continue striking Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut.

The exchange of fire also rattled energy markets, with Brent crude reportedly climbing above $97 per barrel amid concerns over regional instability and disruptions to oil supply routes.

India’s nuclear arsenal reaches 190 warheads as global nuclear risks rise: SIPRI

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NEW DELHI: India is estimated to possess 190 nuclear warheads, widening its lead over Pakistan’s estimated stockpile of 170 warheads, according to the latest assessment released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The findings are part of the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, which warns of growing nuclear risks amid heightened geopolitical tensions, expanding arsenals, and the continued modernization of nuclear forces by the world’s nuclear-armed states.

SIPRI estimates that the global inventory of nuclear warheads stood at 12,187 in January 2026. While the overall number of warheads has declined over the decades, the institute cautioned that a long-standing trend towards reductions in nuclear weapons appears to be slowing and, in some areas, reversing.

The report noted that India continued to develop new nuclear delivery systems and is believed to have slightly expanded its arsenal during 2025. Pakistan’s stockpile was estimated at 170 warheads, while China continued to expand its nuclear capabilities at a faster pace than any other nuclear-armed state.

According to SIPRI, all nine nuclear-armed states – the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel – continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals during the past year, with several countries deploying new systems and upgrading existing capabilities.

The institute warned that increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence, coupled with deteriorating security conditions and weakening arms-control arrangements, has heightened the risk of escalation and miscalculation.

SIPRI said the current global security environment is marked by rising strategic competition and conflict, factors that are contributing to renewed emphasis on nuclear weapons in military planning and national security policies.

The yearbook also highlighted concerns over the future of arms-control efforts, noting that existing frameworks face mounting pressure at a time when many countries are investing heavily in modernizing their nuclear forces.

The Stockholm-based institute releases its annual yearbook to assess developments in global security, armaments, disarmament, and international peace.

Powerful quake off southern Philippines kills three, triggers tsunami alerts

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7.8-magnitude earthquake off Mindanao sparks aftershocks, coastal evacuations and regional warnings

Manila: A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least three people, injuring several others and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the country and neighbouring regions.

The earthquake struck at around 7:37 am local time off the coast near General Santos City in Mindanao, the countryโ€™s main southern island. According to Philippine authorities, the quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, prompting immediate evacuation advisories for residents living in coastal areas.

Authorities said at least three people died and five others sustained injuries in quake-related incidents as emergency teams continued rescue and assessment operations in affected areas. Buildings reportedly suffered structural damage, while panic spread in several coastal communities after tsunami warnings were issued.

According to The Manila Times, the offshore earthquake struck south of General Santos City, home to around 720,000 residents, leading authorities to urge people in vulnerable coastal regions to move to higher ground amid fears of tsunami activity.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said tsunami waves were recorded in at least six locations along Mindanaoโ€™s southern coast. The waves, observed between 7:42 am and 8:45 am local time, reached a maximum height of about 1.4 metres.

Although tsunami warnings were initially issued in several countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, most advisories were later lifted. However, Philippine authorities continued to maintain cautionary alerts in some areas as monitoring remained underway.

In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating emergency response operations in the affected areas.

He also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to preposition relief supplies early and ensure evacuation centers are ready to receive residents who may be affected by the disaster.

The earthquake was followed by a series of strong aftershocks, adding to concerns in already affected regions. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that aftershocks began around two hours after the initial quake, with the strongest measuring 6.5 in magnitude.

Phivolcs later confirmed that a total of 138 aftershocks had been recorded by 11 am local time. Their magnitudes ranged from 1.3 to 6.7, raising fears of additional damage and further disruption.

The Philippines, located along the seismically active Pacific โ€œRing of Fireโ€, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks and comply with evacuation instructions as emergency responders continue relief and monitoring efforts in affected areas.

Bhubaneswar to get National Gallery of Modern Art branch

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BHUBANESWAR: Bhubaneswar is set to get a branch of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), with the Centre asking the Odisha government to identify suitable land after a preliminary feasibility study found the proposed project viable.

In a letter dated May 29, 2026, Union Culture Ministry Secretary Vivek Aggarwal informed Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg that the NGMA, a subordinate office under the Ministry of Culture, had conducted a preliminary feasibility study of the proposal to establish an NGMA branch in the Odisha capital.

The proposal was earlier taken up with the Union Culture Ministry by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi through separate communications sent in September 2024.

According to the preliminary feasibility report, the proposed project is estimated to cost around Rs 630 crore. The Culture Ministry noted that a substantial portion of the expenditure would be towards land acquisition.

The ministry said that if the Odisha government provides suitable land free of cost, implementation of the project would become significantly more feasible and could be expedited. It has requested the state government to identify an appropriate parcel of land before further action is taken on the proposal.

The proposed NGMA branch is expected to strengthen Bhubaneswarโ€™s cultural infrastructure and provide a major platform for the promotion of modern and contemporary art in eastern India.

In her proposal to the Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Sarangi highlighted Bhubaneswarโ€™s rich cultural heritage and growing prominence as an urban centre, arguing that an NGMA branch would significantly enhance the cityโ€™s artistic and cultural landscape.

She stated that the gallery would complement Odishaโ€™s renowned heritage destinations, including the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple in Puri, while boosting cultural tourism and educational opportunities in the state.

Sarangi also noted that Odisha has a rich tradition of art and crafts and that the proposed institution would provide local artists with a prestigious platform to showcase their work. The gallery, she said, would also encourage cultural exchanges and collaborations with artists from across the country.

With the completion of the preliminary feasibility study and the Centreโ€™s request for land, the proposal for establishing an NGMA branch in Bhubaneswar has moved a step forward, bringing the long-pending project closer to reality.

Odisha warns hospitals against charging AB-PMJAY, GJAY beneficiaries for covered services

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BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has directed all empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) not to charge beneficiaries for pre- and post-hospitalisation services covered under the scheme package.

It also warned that any violation of the guidelines will be viewed seriously.

In an advisory issued by the State Health Assurance Society, the Health and Family Welfare Department said it had come to notice that several empanelled hospitals were collecting money from beneficiaries for pre-hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation diagnostic services despite such expenses being covered under the scheme.

According to the advisory, costs incurred by beneficiaries for consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines up to three days before hospital admission are included in the package cost, provided the expenses are incurred at the same hospital where treatment under AB-PMJAY-GJAY is initiated.

The department further clarified that expenses for consultations, medicines, diagnostics, and post-operative care from the date of discharge for up to 15 days are also included in the package cost. Hospitals have been instructed to procure and provide the required medicines to beneficiaries and ensure that any diagnostic evaluations or follow-up visits needed within 15 days of discharge are provided free of charge.

The advisory stated that beneficiaries should not be charged for any pre-or post-hospitalisation services covered under the package. It also noted that in cases involving surgery, post-operative complications and readmissions linked to the treatment must be covered under the original package cost.

Dr. Brundha D, Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Assurance Society, urged all empanelled hospitals to strictly adhere to the scheme guidelines and refrain from charging beneficiaries for services included in the package cost.

The advisory has also been forwarded to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, all Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers, nodal officers, district coordinators, and other concerned officials for necessary action.